Hello from Your Green Team,

There has been a change in our recycling collection. Polystyrene, often known as Styrofoam, is no longer being recycled by the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority (CCRRA). Unfortunately, this means that it is no longer feasible for Penn State to collect it as a recyclable commodity. It must be thrown in the Landfill bin.

Why has this change occurred? Polystyrene is made from oil and natural gas. Because the price of these fossil fuels has dropped in the last year, there is no market to sell the recycled polystyrene.

We realize that the "Miscellaneous Plastics" bin signs state that polystyrene can go in that bin. Until the signs can be changed, we are using email, electronic signage and roadshow presentations to educate Penn Staters. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your colleagues and friends.

If you have any questions, please contact recycle@psu.edu or tweet questions to @sustainPSU.

Sincerely,
Your Green Team

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